HSE begins inspections of manufacturing for silica risks
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors have begun a targeted inspection initiative focusing on manufacturing businesses where materials that contain silica are used, including brick and tile manufacturers and foundries. Exposure to airborne particles of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) can lead to life-changing respiratory conditions such as silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer. Silica is a […]
HSE shines spotlight on woodworking firms
Many woodworking businesses are endangering workers’ lives by failing to implement the measures required to prevent or control exposure to wood dust, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Supported by HSE’s Dust Kills campaign, which provides free advice to businesses and workers on the control measures required to prevent exposure to dust, HSE […]
Study says HSE struggling to run investigations due to funding issues
The number of mandatory HSE investigations that weren’t carried out because of resourcing issues increased nearly 200-fold between 2016/17 and 2021/22. That’s according to a report from Prospect union, HSE under pressure: a perfect storm , which details the build-up of problems at HSE after years of underfunding, overwork and underpay. The research, using HSE’s own figures, […]
‘Forever chemicals’ focus of new HSE report
A new report from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has set out in detail the extent to which so-called ‘forever chemicals’ are used in the UK. It has analysed how these substances, or PFAS (Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances) are used. The report has also included exposure from everyday items such as food wrappers, cleaning […]
Wine company fined £800k after HGV driver fatality
A wine and drinks supplier has been fined after a visiting HGV driver was killed after being hit by a forklift truck at its depot in Salford, with HSE pressing the need for clear safety instructions in loading areas. John Fitzpatrick was waiting for his trailer to be loaded at Kingsland Drinks Ltd in Irlam […]
Official data show growing mental health toll on UK workforce
The estimated number of workers in Great Britain suffering a work-related illness is 1.8 million with stress, depression, and anxiety making up around half of cases, new figures show. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published its annual statistics on work-related ill health and workplace injuries. The figures from Great Britain’s workplace regulator show there […]
Health risks to port workers highlighted by HSE
Port and distribution workers who play a crucial role in making sure items are delivered to buyers in the UK could be putting their health at risk. Approximately 63.2 million tonnes of goods were handled by UK ports in 2015 in freight containers. These containers are opened on arrival by workers at Great Britain’s ports […]
Nestle fined over ‘life-changing’ chocolate factory injuries
Nestle has been fined after an employee suffered life-changing injuries at its factory in Newcastle upon Tyne. The incident happened on November 30, 2020 when the man was drawn into a roller mechanism on a conveyor machine. South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard how the maintenance technician was investigating a problem on the conveyor belt of […]
HSE launches campaign to combat aches in construction
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned that construction workers are picking up injuries and conditions that can stop them working and leave them struggling to stand, walk, or sit down. HSE inspectors will be carrying out 1,000 inspections in October and November checking how workers are moving heavy or bulky materials. The law […]
Fatal fall results in £190k fine for waste management firm
A waste management company has been fined £190,000 after a contractor died when he fell seven metres while carrying out maintenance work. The experienced maintenance contractor was part of a team under the control and direction of Wiltshire-based Hills Waste Solutions Limited. He sustained fatal injuries in the fall on November 18, 2020, while working […]